Volume II Part 35 (2/2)
”It seems tofrom the real object of our interview Let me speak, marquis A powerful society, hich I have the honor of being associated, has had its eye on you for a long time Your influence, your opinions and your family connections are such that the society hopes to have in you a useful auxiliary, and I have therefore received the order to ements with you The society--”
”You are no doubt speaking of the Society of Jesus?” interrupted the marquis
Velletri bowed and continued:
”Thanks to the assistance of the pious fathers, histhe Vicoesture of astonishment, and Velletri went on:
”The society is even ready to give you the ain”
”And the conditions?” staereuse hoarsely
”I will tell them to you directly; they are not very difficult to fulfil”
”And should I refuse them?”
”Do you really intend to refuse theereuse bit his lips; he had already said too much The Jesuit was a worthy pupil of his master, and the marquis felt that should he oppose him he would be the loser
”What does the society ask of s--an iuarantee”
”And what does it offer?”
”The position of hisup as if electrified
”I have misunderstood you,” he said
”Not at all; it is a question of the premiershi+p”
Cold drops of perspiration stood on the marquis's forehead; he knew the society had the power to keep its proht so high The position guaranteed to him riches, influence and power
”You spoke of an i heavily; ”please explain yourself more clearly”
”I will first speak of the service,” replied Velletri, calmly; ”it is of such a nature that the one intrusted with it can be thankful, for he will be able to do a great deal of good to His Holiness the Pope and the Catholic world”
Fougereuse closed his eyes--this outlook was dazzling
Fernando de Velletri continued with:
”Marquis, you are no doubt aware that the Jesuits have been expelled froo, in January, 1822, his doood prince did not dare at that time to do more for us
The time has now come to put an end to the oppression under which the Jesuits have so long suffered What we desire is the solehts to the fathers They should hold up their heads under their true naes To secure this end we must have a law--not a royal edict, a sound constitutional lahich must be passed by the Cha, and we do not deceive ourselves with regard to the difficulties to be encountered, and the etic, but the reward is a nificent one The man we shall elevate to the prireat power